According to NSW DPI, the horse developed neurological signs on Friday June 7, after being confined to a yard for three days. As the horse was not vaccinated and had a sudden onset of neurological signs, the owners contacted the animal diseases hotline. It was later euthanised by the owners after becoming unresponsive.

A district veterinarian from Hunter Local Land Services visited the property on Sunday June 9 to collect samples with results on Wednesday June 12 from the State Veterinary laboratory at Menangle confirming hendra virus infection.

No other horses on the property showed signs of illness and officers from NSW health are undertaking risk assessments of humans in contact. Tracing of horse movements in the previous 16 days will be undertaken and a Biosecurity Direction is in place to control the movement of animals and people on and off the property.

Most cases in NSW have been on the north coast, with a case at Kempsey in 2013 being the most southern case. In NSW there have been 22 horse deaths as a result of hendra virus on 20 properties since the first NSW case in 2006. Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage the hendra virus disease.